NEW YORK -- Zemgus Girgensons and Jack Eichel combined for a pair of Buffalo Sabres goals in just over a minute Monday night against the New York Rangers -- but it couldn't compete with Derick Brassard's five points for the New York team.

The Sabres and Rangers had a mostly back-and-forth affair until mid-way through the third period when Brassard helped out on Mats Zucarello goal for New York, giving the Rangers a 5-3 lead on the power play. Brassard added a goal of his own -- his second of the night -- with 36 seconds remaining in regulation play and the Sabres' net empty.

It was the Rangers who struck the back of the net first when Dylan McIlrath scored at 5:58 of the first period, assisted by Keith Yandle and Brassard. Brian Gionta tied it for the Sabres at 16:13, assisted by Marcus Foligno and Zach Bogosian.

Viktor Stalberg put New York up 2-1 at 14:51 of the second period, assisted by Kevin Hayes and Oscar Lindberg. It was the only New York goal of the night that Brassard didn't have a hand in.

Brassard scored his first goal at 1:06 of the third period, assisted by Jesper Fast and Kevin Klein. The Sabres struck back at 4:31 with a Girgensons and Eichel combines for their first of the night. Matt Moulson also assisted. at 5:44 Girgensons and Eichel did it again, tying the game at 3. A minute after that J.T. Miller put the Rangers up 4-3, assisted by Jesper Fast and Brassard. Then came the Zuccarello goal at 9:23, assisted by Derek Stepan and Brassard. And finally Brassard's empty netter to close out scoring.

The Sabres play again tonight when they visit the Ottawa Senators. Then the team is off until after the NHL All-Star break.